Ventilation: Approved Document F

This free online CPD course from BESA Academy is presented by Nuaire and offers a clear and concise overview of the key changes in the latest edition of Approved Document F, compared to the 2010 and 2013 versions. The course explores relevant supporting guidance and provides a detailed understanding of each ventilation system, with a focus on the specific updates introduced. Case studies bring the content to life through practical application.

This course is free of charge and CIBSE accredited for CPD. Download your certificate on completion.

What You Will Learn

This course covers:

• Key changes in the latest edition of Approved Document F
• How the latest edition compares to the 2010 and 2013 versions
• Relevant supporting guidance and compliance requirements
• A detailed understanding of each ventilation system type
• Specific updates introduced in the latest edition
• Practical application through case studies

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is suitable for building services designers and consultants responsible for ventilation system design, installers and contractors working with ventilation systems in residential buildings, architects and specifiers looking to ensure compliance with Approved Document F, building control officers and approved inspectors, and anyone involved in the design, specification, installation, or inspection of ventilation systems in dwellings.

Why Approved Document F Matters

Approved Document F sets the minimum standards for ventilation in residential buildings to ensure adequate indoor air quality, prevent condensation and mould, and support energy-efficient building design. The latest edition introduces important updates that affect how ventilation systems are designed, specified, and installed.

Understanding the key changes, how they differ from previous versions, and what they mean in practice is essential for anyone working on residential ventilation projects. This course ensures you stay current with regulatory requirements and can apply them confidently.

The Benefits of This Course

Completing this course will help you:

• Understand the key changes in the latest edition of Approved Document F
• Recognise how the latest edition differs from previous versions
• Apply the requirements to different ventilation system types
• Ensure compliance with current Building Regulations for ventilation
• Learn from practical case studies demonstrating real-world application
• Earn CIBSE-accredited CPD to support your professional development

Course Format

Format: 100% online, self-paced
Assessment: Knowledge check questions at the end of the course
Certification: CPD certificate available to download on completion
Accreditation: CIBSE accredited
Cost: Free of charge

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Approved Document F?
Approved Document F is part of the UK Building Regulations and sets out the minimum requirements for ventilation in residential buildings. It ensures adequate indoor air quality, helps prevent condensation and mould, and supports healthy living environments.

What are the key changes in the latest edition of Approved Document F?
The latest edition introduces stricter requirements for ventilation rates, improved guidance on system performance, and a greater focus on energy efficiency and indoor air quality. It also places more emphasis on correct installation and commissioning.

Why is compliance with Approved Document F important?
Compliance ensures that buildings provide sufficient ventilation to protect occupant health and meet legal requirements. Failure to comply can lead to poor air quality, condensation issues, and potential regulatory or legal consequences.

What types of ventilation systems are covered?
Approved Document F covers several system types, including natural ventilation, intermittent extract systems, continuous mechanical extract, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR). Each system has specific requirements depending on the building design.

Who needs to understand Approved Document F?
This guidance is essential for building services designers, engineers, architects, installers, contractors, and building control professionals involved in residential projects where ventilation systems must meet regulatory standards.

How does Approved Document F relate to energy efficiency?
Approved Document F works alongside other regulations such as Part L to balance ventilation requirements with energy efficiency. Proper system design ensures good indoor air quality without unnecessary heat loss.

What are common mistakes when applying Approved Document F?
Common issues include incorrect system selection, poor installation, inadequate airflow rates, and failure to commission systems properly. These mistakes can lead to non-compliance and reduced system performance.

Will I receive a certificate after completing the course?
Yes. After completing the course and passing the knowledge check questions, you will be able to download a CIBSE-accredited CPD certificate confirming your participation.